Menu

Home›A Level French [A2]›“A desperate old man goes to a bank’s cashier’s desk on January 3rd 2002 with two bags of money that he would like to change into euros. The bank employee opens the bags, which contain 10,000F… in small change. Write the ensuing dialogue. ” [32 out of 45, 2001/2002]

“A desperate old man goes to a bank’s cashier’s desk on January 3rd 2002 with two bags of money that he would like to change into euros. The bank employee opens the bags, which contain 10,000F… in small change. Write the ensuing dialogue. ” [32 out of 45, 2001/2002]

Old Man [OM]: So, is there a problem mister…[he reads the uniform bearing the owner’s name]…Deaton?

Employee Deaton [ED]: A problem? More like a catastrophe! So much money in small change – I don’t work for a piggy bank, sir!

OM: This is all the money that I have in the world – I won it from the French amusement arcades.

ED: Understood sir – I can see your dilemma. It’s true that we have a converter, but why would we want to exchange all this small change???

Bank Manager [BM]: What’s going on here, Deaton? Oh my word, sir – I’m sorry but this money would be better used at an amusement arcade, not in a bank. There are other clients here – this exchange would take too long!

OM: You must exchange it sir; if not, I will have nothing. As you know, the euro became legal tender two days ago, and I would like to have some – I’m no different to other French people, or people in the other eleven European countries that are using the euro. Mister Deaton told me that you have a converter, but I know that 10,000F equals €1,500 thanks to a numerological mnemonic. If necessary, I can show you the calculations!?! However, even if I am happy with this exchange, the old francs are putting up some resistance! But…

BM: Stop! I’ve heard enough, sir, and I agree with you. I don’t want to swindle you – I’m not a crook! Mister Deaton is going to exchange this money, even if it takes some time.

Share this:

Like this:

35-year-old father of three wonderful children [William, Seth, and Alyssa]. Works as an Assistant Technical Officer in the Sterile Services Department of Treliske Hospital, Cornwall. Enjoys jogging, web design, being a bit of a geek, and supporting Arsenal FC. Obtained a BA degree in English from the University of Bolton in 2008, and has continued to gain qualifications in a diverse range of subjects thereafter.